Schemes
And
Opportunities
Housing Authority
Post-Purchase Assistance: Schemes and Incentives
Once you have settled into your newly acquired property, go over the various government schemes and their eligibility criteria.
Incentives to Help You Purchase Your Property
Equity Sharing Scheme
Housing Authority
This scheme assists individuals aged 30+ who, despite qualifying for a home loan, find that the amount they qualify for is not enough to purchase a property. Under this scheme, the Housing Authority acquires the remaining amount, up to 50% of the property value (excluding the deposit), which the applicant must repay interest-free after 20 years. The maximum home value under this scheme cannot surpass €250,000.
10% Deposit Payment Scheme
Housing Authority
This scheme assists people aged 21 to 39 who qualify for a home loan to purchase a property valued up to €225,000 but lack the liquidity for the 10% deposit down payment. The bank will provide the 10% deposit through a personal loan, repayable over 25 years, with the Housing Authority covering the interest payments.
Social Loan Scheme
Housing Authority
This scheme assists low-income earners with a monthly grant of up to €167 towards their home loan repayments. The property value should not exceed €140,000, with the Housing Authority covering notarial fees. If deemed eligible, the total loan will also cover the property’s deposit downpayment. The income threshold levels vary based on the household composition, and the applicant should not possess more than €23,300 in assets.
First-Time Buyers Stamp Duty Exemption
Malta Tax and Customs Administration
Under this scheme, first-time buyers are currently exempt from paying stamp duty on the first €200,000 of the total property value. To benefit from this exemption, first-time buyers must declare in the contract that the property they are purchasing is their first immovable property. This declaration is verified through searches conducted by the notary; however, the notary is not responsible for any false declaration. The notary’s only responsibility is to submit the searches after registering the contract with the tax department, which are then reviewed by the Commissioner for Tax and Customs. This scheme is currently valid for contracts published until the 31st of December 2025—unless renewed.
Grant for First-Time Buyers
Malta Tax and Customs Administration
First-time buyers purchasing a residential property that falls under one of the following categories can apply for the grant for first-time buyer’s scheme:
a) situated in an UCA area;
b) properties that have been built for more than 20 years and have been vacant for more than 7 years;
c) new properties built and finished as defined by the established guidelines and approved by the competent authority.
For properties purchased in Malta that fall under one of these categories, the first-time buyer will receive a maximum grant of €15,000. For properties purchased in Gozo, of which the deed is signed after 1st January 2024, they will receive a maximum grant of €40,000. Buyers can apply through the servizz.gov online application. This scheme is valid till the 31st of December 2026.
New Hope Scheme
Housing Authority
This scheme assists individuals who, despite satisfying all bank lending criteria, cannot access the property market due to difficulties obtaining a private life insurance policy because of medical conditions. The Housing Authority offers a loan guarantee of up to €250,000 to individuals who were either rejected by two life insurance providers, have a 12-month deferred insurance application, or were quoted premiums exceeding 250% of the average premium quoted for their age group.
Relief from Income Tax and from Duty on Documents and Transfers on Certain Property Transfers Rules
Malta Tax and Customs Administration
Buyers and sellers purchasing and selling a property that falls under one of the following categories may benefit from income tax and stamp duty exemption on the first €750,000 of the property value:
a) situated in an Urban Conservation Area (UCA);
b) properties that have been built for more than 20 years and have been vacant for more than 7 years;
c) new properties built and finished as defined by the established guidelines and approved by the competent authority.
To benefit from this scheme, buyers and sellers must provide the documentation required by law to the notary, such as a UCA certificate issued by the Planning Authority in the case of a property in an UCA, which has to be attached to the deed. This scheme is valid for contracts published until the 31st of December 2026.
Incentives Available After You Purchase Your Property
First-Time Buyer Scheme
Housing Authority
The FTB scheme is a one-time grant of €10,000 paid over 10 years in yearly instalments of €1,000. The only two criteria to qualify for this scheme are that the property you acquired is your first primary residence and through a bank loan. Additionally, if only one of the applicants is a first-time buyer, the allocated one-time grant is €5,000, paid in yearly instalments of €500.
Grant on First Residence
Housing Authority
The GFR scheme covers a percentage of the fiscal receipts submitted by first-time buyers for construction or finishing works. The maximum allocated grant is €5,824, paid in two separate instalments, with the first covering shell work expenses and the second covering finishing work expenses.
Subsidy on Adaptation Works
Housing Authority
The ADP scheme provides financial assistance of up to €21,000 to help individuals refurbish old dwellings deemed by the Housing Authority to be in a sub-standard condition so as to render them habitable and of an acceptable standard condition.
This scheme’s eligibility criteria require the purchased property to have been built for at least 15 years before the date of the application, and the household’s annual income must not exceed €27,635.60 for the applicants to receive the minimum refund. Additionally, the property must be used as your primary residence for at least ten years from the final payment date.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Scheme (Purchase of Water Purifying Equipment)
Regulator for Energy & Water Services
Buyers purchasing reverse osmosis and water filtration systems to purify water at home can receive a grant to cover part of their costs. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Roof Insulation and Double Glazing (Retrofitting) Scheme
Regulator for Energy & Water Services
Buyers installing roof insulation and double glazing, both retrofitting, to reduce the consumption of energy can receive a grant of up to €1,000 for each installation. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Domestic Cisterns Restoration Scheme
Regulator for Energy & Water Services
Buyers carrying out cistern restoration works to harvest and use the rainwater in their homes can apply for a grant of up to €1,000 to cover 50% of the total costs of restoration works and a further grant of up to €100 to cover the certification costs. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Renewable Energy Sources Scheme
Regulator for Energy & Water Services
Buyers purchasing photovoltaic (PV) or battery storage systems to reduce energy consumption or use renewable energy sources can benefit from a grant that covers part of the costs incurred for such purchases. There are four grant options available under this scheme. More information can be found by visiting the REWS website. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Tap Water Scheme
Regulator for Energy & Water Services
Buyers installing water filtration system equipment (activated carbon filters) to reduce the use of plastic water bottles can receive a grant of up to €100, covering 60% of the total costs. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Water Heater Scheme
Regulator for Energy & Water Services
Buyers investing in water heating system equipment can benefit from a grant to partially cover the expenses incurred. This scheme supports the purchase of solar hot water systems, solar collectors, heat pump water heaters, and PVs (including boilers). There are three grant options available under this scheme. More information can be found by visiting the REWS website. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Grant on the Restoration and Finishing of Privately Owned Residential Properties
Ministry for Finance
Buyers purchasing a property that falls under one of the following categories may receive up to €54,000 to cover restoration and finishing costs:
a) situated in an UCA area;
b) properties that have been built for more than 20 years and have been vacant for more than 7 years;
c) new properties built and finished as defined by the established guidelines and approved by the competent authority.
Buyers can apply through the servizz.gov online application. This scheme is valid till the 31st of December 2026
Buy Sustainable Property Scheme
Building & Construction Authority
This scheme promotes sustainable housing by providing grants to buyers purchasing an energy-efficient property with the final deed signed after January 1, 2025. There are two types of grants under this scheme:
NET ZERO or LESS Grant: Properties with an EPC Rating of 0 kWh/m²·yr qualify for a €9,000 grant, distributed over three years in annual instalments of €3,000.
Energy-Efficient Properties Grant: Properties with an EPC rating at least 20% better than the latest Minimum Energy Performance Requirements (Document F) qualify for a €4,500 grant, distributed over three years in annual instalments of €1,500.
Buyers can apply through the servizz.gov online application.
This scheme is currently closed.
Irrinova Darek – Residential Renovation Grant Scheme (2025)
Building & Construction Authority
This scheme supports energy-efficient upgrades aimed at improving the long-term sustainability of Malta’s building stock while reducing energy costs. Grants cover between 75% and 90% of eligible expenses, depending on specific eligibility criteria.
This five-year programme begins with a focus on residential properties in the Northern Region during the first year, with other eligible regions covered throughout the subsequent years. The eligible works include insulation, the replacement of apertures, the installation of PV systems, energy-efficient lighting, and HVAC system upgrades, among other energy-saving improvements. Financial support available under this scheme includes:
- Capital Grant: up to €15,000
- Professional Fees Support: €875 (refundable)
- PV Systems: 50% co-funding
- Solar/Heat Pump Water Heaters: Additional grant of up to €1,000.
Eligible applicants must register between the 23rd of July and the 31st of August 2025 through the Building & Construction Authority’s online application form available on their website.
Regulator for Energy & Water Services (REWS) Schemes
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Scheme (Purchase of Water Purifying Equipment):
Buyers purchasing reverse osmosis and water filtration systems to purify water at home can receive a grant to cover part of their costs. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Roof Insulation and Double Glazing (Retrofitting) Scheme:
Buyers installing roof insulation and double glazing, both retrofitting, to reduce the consumption of energy can receive a grant of up to €1,000 for each installation. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Domestic Cisterns Restoration Scheme:
Buyers carrying out cistern restoration works to harvest and use the rainwater in their homes can apply for a grant of up to €1,000 to cover 50% of the total costs of restoration works and a further grant of up to €100 to cover the certification costs. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Renewable Energy Sources Scheme:
Buyers purchasing photovoltaic (PV) or battery storage systems to reduce energy consumption or use renewable energy sources can benefit from a grant that covers part of the costs incurred for such purchases. There are four grant options available under this scheme. More information can be found by visiting the REWS website. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Tap Water Scheme:
Buyers installing water filtration system equipment (activated carbon filters) to reduce the use of plastic water bottles can receive a grant of up to €100, covering 60% of the total costs. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
Water Heater Scheme:
Buyers investing in water heating system equipment can benefit from a grant to partially cover the expenses incurred. This scheme supports the purchase of solar hot water systems, solar collectors, heat pump water heaters, and PVs (including boilers). There are three grant options available under this scheme. More information can be found by visiting the REWS website. Buyers can apply through the REWS online application. This scheme is valid till 31st December 2025.
❗All schemes are bound to a budget. Even though the schemes have a valid expiration date, their funds might be depleted before then, leading to the closure of their applications. Go through all the information and guidelines provided for each scheme before committing yourself to prevent missing out on a scheme due to a lack of information. For instance, most REWS applications consist of two parts. Part A must be completed before the equipment is purchased and installed, and Part B must be completed after installation.
Schemes & Opportunities
Ministry for Finance Scheme
Grant on the Restoration and Finishing of Privately Owned Residential Properties: Buyers purchasing a property that falls under one of the following categories may receive up to €54,000 to cover restoration and finishing costs:
a) situated in an UCA area;
b) properties that have been built for more than 20 years and have been vacant for more than 7 years;
c) new properties built and finished as defined by the established guidelines and approved by the competent authority.
Buyers can apply through the servizz.gov online application. This scheme is valid till the 31st of December 2026.
Specialised Loans
Are you looking to make your new home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly while reducing utility costs? You are in luck as many banks provide specialised loans for the purchase of energy-efficient products and appliances in support of a greener and more sustainable environment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The following products are typically eligible under these specialised loans:
- Renewable energy systems: Solar water heaters, PV panels, and wind turbines
- Insulation and double-glazing products: Wall, roof, window, and door insulation
- Energy-efficient heating & cooling systems
- Energy-efficient appliances: Refrigerators and cooking devices with a satisfactory energy efficiency label
- Energy-efficient lighting systems
- Restoration of domestic cisterns/wells
While the benefits of such loans may vary from one bank to another, here are some of the main advantages:
Discounted interest rates
Fast and flexible process
No processing and commitment fees
Full financing for eco-friendly purchases through dedicated personal loans
Step-by-Step Guide for First Time Property Buyers
This step-by-step guide is also available for download through the button below.
